In this article, we will be taking a look at the 20 states with the healthiest populations. If you do not want to learn about the evolving landscape of global healthcare, head straight to the 5 States With the Healthiest Populations.

When it comes to the well-being of its citizens, certain states stand out for their commitment to fostering healthy lifestyles and providing quality healthcare. From promoting active living to ensuring access to essential medical services, these states prioritize the health and happiness of their populations. Factors such as low rates of chronic diseases, high levels of physical activity, and robust healthcare infrastructure contribute to their overall healthiness. 

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Global Healthcare: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities 

The global healthcare services market was valued at $7.98 trillion in 2023, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6.3% from a value of $7.5 trillion in 2022. It is forecasted to reach $9.82 trillion by 2027 with a CAGR of 5.3%. In 2015, OECD countries spent an average of 9% of GDP on healthcare, with the US having the highest rate among industrialized nations at almost double this value. Healthcare revenue in the US mostly originates from patient care, 65%. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant drop in US healthcare system revenue, by around 50%. Despite this setback, various sectors within the industry are expected to regain profitability by 2024. The top 5 health insurance companies in the US collectively serve over 145 million members, while 9 hospital systems are operating more than 100 hospitals each. With healthcare comprising 19.7% of the US economy, significant growth is anticipated between 2020 and 2030. 

The pandemic prompted governments worldwide to sharply increase health spending, reaching approximately $9 trillion, or 11% of global GDP. This surge in funding was part of broader fiscal responses to counter declines in out-of-pocket spending and support social protection measures. Virtual care adoption in the US soared from 11% in 2019 to 46% in 2020, with 60% of patients preferring virtual visits for follow-ups, as reported by Deloitte. The American Medical Association noted that 90% of US healthcare providers offered telemedicine services in 2020, compared to just 14% in 2016. Accenture estimates that this shift could annually save the healthcare system up to $250 billion. 

Telehealth’s global market is projected to reach $559.52 billion by 2027, driven by factors including rising chronic disease prevalence, healthcare cost escalation, and professional shortages. Similarly, AI’s healthcare market is anticipated to hit $45.2 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 44.9%. This growth is fueled by big data adoption, precision medicine, and demand for cost-effective services. Blockchain’s healthcare market is expected to reach $1.7 billion by 2026, driven by secure data exchange needs and cost reduction demands. 

Monitoring devices are also on the rise, with a projected global market of $65.4 billion by 2027, propelled by chronic disease prevalence and demand for remote patient monitoring solutions. Wearable devices and mobile health apps are driving this market, offering home-based monitoring options and enhancing healthcare accessibility. 

Healthcare Industry Dynamics 

The United States spends three times more than the OECD average on healthcare, yet lags in life expectancy and faces high rates of preventable mortality and obesity. Despite this, 84% of healthcare expenses are covered by mandatory prepayment, and 75% of Americans are satisfied with healthcare quality. The global health and wellness market is projected to reach $12.9 trillion by 2031, with significant players including Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) Coca-Cola, and Roche.

Medicare enrollment is expected to grow 3% annually due to an aging population, while the commercial segment anticipates a 15% CAGR by 2026 after pandemic-related declines. The U.S. has poor health outcomes compared to other wealthy nations, exacerbated by rising costs and limited access. The global healthcare financial analytics market is set to grow, particularly in North America, due to COVID-19’s impact on health systems. 

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) focuses on mental health, antimicrobial resistance, and equitable care access. They are actively expanding access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, ranking high on the Access to Medicine Index. Their innovations include antiviral research for dengue and a satellite center in Asia Pacific. The company’s ESG strategy aims for global health equity and sustainability. Ambitious goals for 2025 include addressing pandemics, epidemics, and health equity, alongside initiatives to diversify the workforce and support healthcare systems. 

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)’s sales growth in Q4 2023 was fueled by strong performance in pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Pharmaceuticals saw a 4.2% year-over-year growth, led by products such as Darzalex, Erleada, and Stelara. Medical devices experienced a 13.3% increase, driven by electrophysiological devices, wound closure products, orthopedic trauma devices, and contact lenses. The rebound in non-urgent surgeries among older adults also boosted medical device sales. 

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is also renowned for its innovative approach and commitment to expanding medicine access. With a focus on genetic and breakthrough therapies, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) aims to impact healthcare positively, exemplified by initiatives like the Lilly 30×30 program. Launching 20 new medicines between 2014 and 2023, including tirzepatide and donanemab, showcases its growth trajectory. Fiscal Q1 2024 saw a 28% revenue increase, with strong sales of products like Mounjaro and Zepbound. Looking forward, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) anticipates revenues of $40.4 to $41.6 billion in 2024, with investments in production and new developments like Ebglyss for atopic dermatitis and LillyDirect digital healthcare. 

Our Methodology 

Our methodology rigorously assessed states to determine their health status, relying on a consensus-driven approach. We evaluated factors such as disease prevalence, mortality rates, substance abuse, lifestyle habits, and overall health outlook. Through this comprehensive analysis, we have generated a definitive ranking of states, showcasing those with the most pronounced health challenges. The ranking is presented in ascending order of scores, with higher scores indicating a greater prevalence of health issues within each respective state. 

Here is our list of the 20 States With the Healthiest Populations.

20. Maryland 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.05 

Maryland stands out for its healthy population, with high rates of daily exercise and extremely low uninsured rates (just 3.7%). Its median household income of $79,835 is the fourth-highest nationwide. Remarkably, only 2.5% of residents lack health insurance. The state’s strong economic status ensures access to healthcare and healthier options. Maryland’s proximity to federal facilities like NASA and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, along with its robust healthcare infrastructure, further bolster its health profile. 

19. Idaho 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.1 

Idaho is known for its relatively healthy population, despite the U.S. spending the most on healthcare globally. Challenges like chronic health conditions persist, with obesity alone costing $147 billion annually in medical expenses in 2008. Idaho’s health insurance landscape is crucial, impacting residents’ access to quality healthcare and reflecting its rankings among states. 

18. Texas 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.15 

Texas boasts one of the healthiest populations in the US and strong financial stability, contributing to its overall health landscape. However, according to the Financial State of the States report, Texas faced a $56.6 billion shortfall, amounting to $6,600 per taxpayer, despite having $132 billion available to cover $188.6 billion in bills. Healthcare spending consumes nearly half of the state’s budget, with $42.9 billion spent in fiscal 2015, representing 43.1 percent of all appropriations from various sources. 

17. Arizona 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.2 

Arizona stands among the states with the healthiest populations, with approximately 80% of residents engaging in daily exercise. The state also boasts a low uninsured rate of just 3.7%. Arizona has made notable progress in public health, with initiatives leading to record-low tobacco use among adults and youth. Furthermore, programs like the Infant at Work Program expansion and the inclusion of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Syndrome (SCID) in the Arizona Newborn Screening Program have been implemented to enhance public health efforts. 

16. Virginia 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.25 

Virginia’s healthy population is attributed to good health indicators and access to healthcare services. The state’s lower prevalence of chronic diseases and healthier lifestyle habits contribute to this positive outlook. With a relatively low percentage of uninsured residents, Virginia ensures better access to healthcare services. In 2022, total annual personal healthcare spending increased from $78.6 billion in 2021 to $83.5 billion, reflecting a 6.3% growth, highlighting continued investment in maintaining population health. 

15. Rhode Island 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.3  

Rhode Island ranks 15th among the healthiest states in the US with good air quality and healthy dietary habits. However, it faces challenges like high rates of chronic diseases such as hypertension and high cholesterol. Despite this, the state has a low uninsured rate of 3.7%. In 2021, the age-adjusted death rate was 781.3 deaths per 100,000 residents, and healthcare spending per resident was $13,663 in 2020. 

14. Oregon 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.35 

Oregon stands out as one of the states with a healthy population in the United States, with strengths including high rates of daily exercise and a remarkably low uninsured rate of 3.7%. In 2021, the state spent approximately $31 billion on healthcare, equating to households allocating 22% of their budget to insurance premiums, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter items, amounting to nearly $8,000 per person annually. 

13. New Hampshire 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.4 

New Hampshire ranks among the healthiest states in the U.S. with a low rate of premature deaths, totaling only 7,289 years of potential life lost before age 75 per 100,000 population. In fiscal year 2019, Total Medicaid spending in New Hampshire amounted to $2.0 billion, with the federal government covering 55.3% of these costs. 

12. New York 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.45 

New York stands twelfth among the states with the healthiest populations, with robust public health initiatives and healthcare access. Over the last decade, public policies have significantly reduced uninsured rates, dropping to 5.2% in 2021, below the national average. Less than 1% of individuals aged 65 or older lack insurance. The majority of uninsured individuals are adults aged 19 to 64, comprising 7.4% in New York versus 12.2% nationally. Healthcare spending growth in New York is mainly due to service price increases, with total spending per person rising 28% from 2017 to 2021, reaching $7,845 per person. 

11. Illinois 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.5 

Illinois has a healthy population and a successful healthcare system, as seen in its lower-than-average hospital readmission rates for key conditions such as heart attacks, heart failure, and pneumonia in 2020, as reported by CMS. This indicates high-quality care and improved patient outcomes. In 2021, the death rate in Illinois was 825.3 per 100,000 people. Healthcare spending in 2020 reached $11,906 per resident, covering expenses by businesses, insurance agencies, households, and governments. 

10. Colorado 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.55 

Colorado stands tenth among the healthiest states in the U.S., with low obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease rates. Initiatives like Ready. Set. CO promotes well-being through fitness, nutrition, and mental health programs. In 2020, healthcare spending per Colorado resident was $10,028. 

9. Washington 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.6 

Washington is acknowledged for its healthy population, with just 6% uninsured residents. However, over the past decade, health insurance premiums for employer-covered workers rose by 49%, and individual plan costs doubled. A survey in November 2022 revealed that nearly two-thirds had rationed medication, delayed or skipped care, or depleted savings to afford medical attention. Over 80% expressed concerns about future healthcare affordability. 

8. New Jersey 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.65 

New Jersey ranks among the top 20 healthiest states in the U.S. Despite adult cholesterol prevalence, the state has low rates of obesity, smoking, and binge drinking, with relatively high levels of physical activity. New Jersey’s adult population boasts a 28.2% obesity rate and a 10.7% smoking rate, both below national averages. With a fifth-lowest poverty rate of 9.5% and the second-highest median household income of $81,740, residents have access to high-quality healthcare and healthy lifestyle components. 

7. New Mexico 

Insider Monkey Score: 0.7 

New Mexico boasts a healthy population and ranks among the states with the healthiest populations. Despite a median household income of $34,133 and a poverty rate of 12.8%, challenges persist, with high obesity, asthma, and cancer rates. The state’s healthcare ranking is at 14th place, reflecting room for improvement in services and accessibility. Additionally, New Mexico faces financial challenges, with the majority of its population uninsured and a GDP of $122 billion serving over 2 million people. 

6. California  

Insider Monkey Score: 0.75 

California is acknowledged as one of the healthiest states in the U.S. Health spending in the state amounted to $405 billion in 2020, equating to $10,299 per person, as per federal data. This encompasses payments made by private insurers, public programs, and individuals for various services and goods, including hospital and physician care, prescription drugs, and medical devices. In 2019, approximately 3.5 million Californians were uninsured. 

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Disclosure. None: The 20 States With the Healthiest Populations is originally published on Insider Monkey.